Black Music Month: Donnie McClurkin

From "Stand" To "We Fall Down," McClurkin's Legend Is Solidified

June is Black Music Month, a celebration of African-American musicians, creators, innovators and influencers. For 2018, the Urban One family is highlighting 25 of the most influential musicians of all-time that have contributed to black spaces far and wide, ranging from inspirational, to hip-hop and R&B.

In 1996, Donnie McClurkin found his public breakthrough. Oprah Winfrey got a hold of his debut album and in particularly the wildly popular “Stand.” From there, the New York born singer and former associate minister in Marvin Winans’ Detroit church took off, never looking back as his gospel tinged hits crossed over into the mainstream.

Four years later, McClurkin’s biggest hit, “We Fall Down” arrived, making him one of the biggest names not just in gospel but in music period. His live albums have become mainstays on Sundays as huge singles following “We Fall Down” with “I Need You” from The Journey, “I Am Amazed” with Erica Campbell and 2005’s “I Call You Faithful”.

McClurkin’s story of overcoming childhood abuse to find faith and ultimately fulfillment is a testament to his perseverance in music. Now he’s an elder statesman, with one of the more powerful and lasting legacies in gospel.